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APPROVE RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A CORONAVIRUS SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING PROGRAM GRANT AWARD FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS, BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $972,181
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to accept a Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding grant award allocation from the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the amount of $972,181; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all grant award documents as required by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and accept applicable terms and conditions; and
3. Amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20 Annual Budget to increase the Police Grants & Special Programs revenue and expenditure appropriation by $972,181; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice, OJP, BJA released a solicitation on March 30, 2020, seeking applications for the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program, which will provide funds to assist eligible states, local units of government, and tribes in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus. States, U.S. Territories, the District of Columbia, units of local government, and federally recognized tribal governments that were identified as eligible for funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program were able to apply by May 29, 2020, under the CESF Program solicitation. The City of Stockton (City) is eligible to receive a formula allocation of $972,181. Awards will have a performance period from January 20, 2020, to January 31, 2022.
DISCUSSION
Background
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) significantly increased the need to have a comprehensive plan in place for the City and the Stockton Police Department (SPD) to prepare for and respond to a pandemic virus event. A plan was developed to identify the resources necessary to provide critical public safety services and increase the capacity of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to effectively coordinate emergency management responses by the City, SPD, Fire Department, and any other departments needed for the delivery of essential services. As a recipient of JAG funds since 1997, which helps local government combat crime and improve public safety, the SPD was eligible to apply and submit an application for CESF Program funds in May 2020.
Present Situation
The CESF program is allocated based on a formula of population. Permissible use of funds includes, but are not limited to, overtime, equipment (including law enforcement and medical personal protective equipment [PPE]), hiring, supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer), training, travel expenses (particularly related to the distribution of resources to the most impacted areas), and addressing the medical needs of inmates in state, local, and tribal prisons, jails, and detention centers.
The SPD’s comprehensive plan to effectively manage the coronavirus pandemic identifies the necessary resources for the SPD to effectively support its sworn and non-sworn staff while also maintaining a high level of service to the public. Essential resources identified include: a three-month supply of PPE and sanitation supplies, a dedicated media studio for mandated officer training and public information purposes, technology resources to support telework, an upgrade to the Tactical Response Vehicle (TRV) to increase the capacity to store equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus units, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) with infrared camera for first responders to visually assess environments before entry, a Mobile Command Post (MCP) to support joint government agency resources in the field, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) equipment, supplies, and furniture to support long-term operational capabilities. Funds will also be allocated to recuperate overtime expenses incurred for the COVID-19 response and for Emergency Service Unit (ESU) staff to attend training courses related to responding to a pandemic.
In June 2020, the SPD received notification from BJA awarding funds in FY 2019-20 in the amount of $972,181.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The SPD’s Emergency Service Unit (ESU) will carry out the various operations required for the grant program. The grant program does not require matching funds and will have no impact on the General Fund.
A budget appropriation in FY 2019-20 is requested for grant revenue and expenses in the amount of $972,181 to the Other Special Revenue Programs, BJA CESF Grant Account No. 025-2476 in the Police Grants & Special Programs Fund.